The Human Element

Matthew Testa/2018/76 min/Climate Change

CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: Renowned photographer James Balog (prominently featured in “Chasing Ice”) uses his camera to reveal how environmental change is affecting the lives of everyday Americans. Following the four classical elements—air, earth, fire and water—to frame his journey, Balog explores wildfires, hurricanes, sea level rise, coal mining, and the changes in the air we breathe. He takes it further by examining the effects of the fifth element—the human element—to tell an urgent story while giving inspiration for a more balanced relationship between humanity and nature.

Teens and young adults encouraged to attend. "PG-13" May contain heavy themes, graphic images or language.

Saturday, March 2, 6:30 to 9 p.m. [North]
St. Clement Parish School, 2524 N. Orchard, Chicago

After the film, participate in audience dialogue. Then, engage with and learn about concrete action opportunities from: St Clement Justice Ministry, Trees That Feed Foundation, Archdiocese of Chicago Creation Care Team, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and Catholic Theological Union. Facilitator, Rebekah Hamilton, St. Clements Catholic Church Justice Ministry.

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats.

Sunday, March 3, 3 to 4:30 p.m. [South]
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Admission $10, Giant Dome Theater, includes museum admission beginning at 1 p.m.

After the film, participate in brief post-film dialogue and learn about other festival events you can attend to further environmental awareness and action. Facilitator: Jim Haried, Environmental Resources Management.

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue.

Producer Olivia Ahnemann.

Producer Olivia Ahnemann.

Sunday, March 3, 5 to 7 p.m. [Lake County]
Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd.
John & Nancy Hughes Theater, Lake Forest
Admission $10, Students $5

After the film, participate in Q&A, and learn about potential action opportunities, with Producer Olivia Ahnemann (on live video). Facilitator: Jamie Hall, Gorton Community Center. Also engage with action and project ideas through local Action Partners.

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue. Refreshments available.

Photographer James Balog.

Photographer James Balog.

Monday, March 4, 6 to 9 p.m. [Kane County]
Action Fair at 6 p.m., Film begins at 7 p.m.
Waubonsee Community College, Aurora Downtown Campus
18 S. River St., Multipurpose Room, First Floor, Aurora

Brief welcomes by: Barbara Jachna, Waubonsee Community College Maggie Soliz, Applied Ecological Services. After the film, participate in live video Q&A with "The Human Element" producer and award-winning photographer James Balog (also appeared in the 2012 film, "Chasing Ice"). Facilitator: Gary Cuneen, Seven Generations Ahead.

Learn about taking concrete action with a Resource Fair. Engage with representatives from: Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, The Conservation Foundation, Sierra Club Valley of the Fox, Clean Water for Kane (Kane County Environmental & Water Resources Division), Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation, District Friends of the Fox River, Fox River Study Group, Hey and Associates, Applied Ecological Services, Seven Generations Ahead, and Citizen's Climate Lobby Aurora Chapter.

ADA compliant accessible venue.

Michele Paccione/ Shutterstock

Michele Paccione/ Shutterstock

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION with WOMEN IN GREEN
Friday, March 8, 5:30 to 9:15 p.m.
[West]
Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
OEFF After Hours Event
Admission $20 for reception from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
in Conference Room C
Film screening at 7 p.m. in Auditorium (free to all)
Panel discussion at 8:15 p.m. in Auditorium (free to all)

OEFF After Hours Event & International Women’s Day Celebration. Come at 5:30 p.m. for the reception sponsored by Chicago Women in Green, a social event group for women working to make the world a greener place. Enjoy bites to eat, kombucha tastings, and an unveiling of One Earth’s signature mocktail drink.

Brief welcome by David Sanders, President, Malcolm X College. After the film, participate in Q&A, and learn about concrete action opportunities, with: Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark, Northshore University HealthSystem; Kyrsten Jovita, Sunrise Movement Chicago; Karen Weigert, Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Chicago Women in Green. Facilitator: Rev. Barbara Wilson, McCormick Theological Seminary. Also engage with action and project ideas through: Malcolm X Student Government Association, Sunrise Movement Chicago.

A celebration of International Women’s Day in partnership with Chicago Women in Green and Malcolm X College.

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats.

Producer Olivia Ahnemann.

Producer Olivia Ahnemann.

Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. [W Suburbs]
Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park
Admission $8

After the film, participate in a live video Q&A with Olivia Ahnemann, film Producer. Facilitator, Seamus Ford of Root Riot Urban Garden Network. Also engage with action and project ideas through Susan Casey of Seven Generations Ahead, Joe O'Krepky of Edward Jones' Socially Responsible Investing, and Chris Lindgren of the Park District of Oak Park.

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue. Concessions available.

Want to see other films with filmmaker appearances? See this page.